Penny Liberty, The First African American Encyclopedia of African American & Cultural History

James Mifflin (born 1839, date of death unknown) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of America’s highest military decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the American Civil War.

Mifflin enlisted in the Navy from his home state of Virginia, and by 1864 was serving as an Engineer’s Cook on the USS Brooklyn (1858). During the Battle of Mobile Bay, Alabama on August 5, 1864, Mifflin stood fast and performed his ammunition supply duties despite enemy shellfire. For his conduct during this battle, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. Also the ship USS Mifflin (APA-207) was named in his honor, the ship participated in the landings at Iwo Jima and Okinawa during World War II.

On board the U.S.S. Brooklyn during successful attacks against Fort Morgan, rebel gunboats and the ram CSS Tennessee (1863) in Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. Stationed in the immediate vicinity of the shell whips which were twice cleared of men by bursting shells, Mifflin remained steadfast at his post and performed his duties in the powder division throughout the furious action which resulted in the surrender of the prize rebel ram Tennessee and in the damaging and destruction of batteries at Fort Morgan